OneWorld.net (U.S.)

By Daniel Nelson

The British Government’s bid to reverse a High Court ruling in favour of Indian Ocean islanders evicted from their homes 40 years ago to make way for a U.S. nuclear base is in its final day.

A group of Chagos Island (officially, The British Indian Ocean Territory) families secured a legal victory over the government last year in a long-running struggle to be allowed to return, not to their original homes but to other islands in the archipelago.

When the government’s appeal started this week, The Guardian newspaper quoted Olivier Bancoult, chairman of the Chagos Refugees Group, as saying: "We believe this will be the final round. What we are asking for is our fundamental rights and dignity as human beings."

Unfortunately, their belief in a final round is probably unfounded. Even if the court rules again in their favour – and the islanders have won two previous cases – an appeal to the House of Lords is possible. Consecutive British governments, acting in lockstep with Washington, which considers the base of great importance, have in the past shown their determination not to give an inch.

The case has received little coverage in Britain, though foreign policy researcher Mark Curtis, author of Web of Deceit: Britain’s Real Role in the World, has documented the illegality of the original expulsion of the entire population (demanded by the U.S. as part of its lease deal with Britain), and the lies, false promises and secrecy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in dealing with the issue.

Judgement in the current case is expected to be given within two months.

* Islanders scent court win for return home * The UK Chagos Support Association